Monthly Archives: December 2012

HPA – UK – 2012 Norovirus Report

Posted on December 10, 2012 by | Leave a comment

NHS Norovirus

Many newspapers are reporting on the Health Protection Agency’s latest figures on the ongoing outbreak of Norovirus – the so-called winter vomiting disease. The data suggest that cases of the virus, which are usually highest after Christmas, are high for this time of year.

According to data available up to December 2 2012, there have been 2,313 confirmed laboratory reports (which is 64% higher than the same period in the last season). But the HPA estimates that for every confirmed report there are another 288 unreported cases.

This means that as many as 666,144 people could have been affected in this outbreak of norovirus. This number is expected to continue to rise.

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Posted in Eurofins Laboratories, HPA, Norovirus, Research

USA – Small Turtles On-Going Salmonella Risk

Posted on December 9, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin 800px-Florida_Box_Turtle_Digon3_re-edited

Six ongoing Salmonella outbreaks that have sickened a total of 248 people in 34 states have been linked to illegal pet turtles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Almost 70 percent of those who became ill were children under the age of 10.

It is precisely because of Salmonella risk , especially to young children, that the Food and Drug Administration banned the sale and distribution of small  turtles as pets in 1975. Turtles with shells shorter four inches should not be purchased as pets or given as gifts.

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Posted in Bacteria, CDC, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Hygiene, Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Research, Salmonella

RASFF/European Alerts – E.coli – Salmonella – Aflatoxins

Posted on December 8, 2012 by | Leave a comment

RASFF – E.coli in Mozzerella in France sourced in Italy.

RASFF – Salmonella in Spring Onions in Denmark sourced in Thailand

RASFF – Salmonella in Lemon Grass in Denamrk sourced in Thailand

RASFF – Aflatoxins in Pistachio’s in Italy sourced in Iran

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Posted in Aflatoxin, Bacteria, E.coli, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Hygiene, Microbiology, Pathogen, RASFF, Recall, Salmonella

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Research – New study sheds light on how Salmonella spreads in the body

Posted on December 8, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Eureka Alert

Findings of Cambridge scientists, published today in the journal PLoS Pathogens, show a new mechanism used by bacteria to spread in the body with the potential to identify targets to prevent the dissemination of the infection process.

Salmonella enterica is a major threat to public health, causing systemic diseases (typhoid and paratyphoid fever), gastroenteritis and non-typhoidal septicaemia (NTS) in humans and in many animal species worldwide. In the natural infection, salmonellae are typically acquired from the environment by oral ingestion of contaminated water or food or by contact with a carrier.  Current vaccines and treatments for S. enterica infections are not sufficiently effective, and there is a need to develop new therapeutic strategies.

Dr Andrew Grant, lead author of the study from the University of Cambridge, said: “A key unanswered question in infectious diseases is how pathogens such as Salmonella grow at the single-cell level and spread in the body.  This gap in our knowledge is hampering our ability to target therapy and vaccines with accuracy.”

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Posted in Bacteria, Microbiology, Pathogen, Research

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Australia – Recall Mixed Spice Rack – Salmonella

Posted on December 8, 2012 by | Leave a comment

FSANZFSANZ

Ontrack Pty Ltd and Big W have recalled Truly Gifted Spice Rack 12 Bottle Spice Set 375g from Big W stores in ACT, NSW, TAS and VIC only, due to microbial contamination (Salmonella) in the peppercorn portion of the product. Consumers should not eat this product and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Date notified to FSANZ

7/12/2012

Food type

Spices

Product name

Truly Gifted Spice Rack

Package description and size

12 Bottle Spice Set 375g – 2 tier

Date marking

Best Before 30/11/2013

Country of origin

China (raw ingredient from India)

Reason for recall

Microbial contamination (Salmonella) in the peppercorn portion of the product

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, FSANZ, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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Canada – Recall Mould Mycotoxin Patulin

Posted on December 6, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CFIACIFA

Reference Number: 7623 Recalling Firm: CIDRERIE MICHEL JODOIN Date of Recall: 12/3/2012 Recall Classification: 3 Distribution : Quebec Extent of the Product Distribution : Retail

Product List

Brand Name Common Name Size Codes(s) on Product UPC Reason for Recall:
VISTA BELLA MICHEL JODOIN SPARKLING APPLE MUST NO ALCOHOL 750 mL LOT 1112 6 09780 01127 7 Chemical – Toxin – Patulin

If you require additional information about an individual recall, please contact us.

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of molds, in particular, Aspergillus and Penicillium. It is commonly found in rotting apples, and the amount of patulin in apple products is generally viewed as a measure of the quality of the apples used in production. It is not a particularly potent toxin, but a number of studies have shown that it is genotoxic, which has led to some theories that claim that it may be a carcinogen, though animal studies have remained inconclusive.Patulin is also an antibiotic.Several countries have instituted patulin restrictions in apple products. The World Health Organization recommends a maximum concentration of 50 µg/L in apple juice.

In European Union, the limit is set to 50 micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg) in both apple juice and cider, and to half of that concentration, 25 µg/kg in solid apple products and 10 µg/kg in products for infants and young children. These limits came into force on 1 November 2003.

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Posted in Aflatoxin, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Technology, Food Testing, Microbiology, Moulds, Pathogen, Patulin, Recall, Toxin

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Denmark – Recall Salmonella Dublin in Beef

Posted on December 6, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Denmark

Salmonella Dublin in beef

Dansk Origin: Danish Pakkedato: 22/11-2012 Package Date: 22/11-2012
Best before date: 22/12/2012  Reference Number: 22112012

Party of beef supplied is cut on 22/11-2012 and sold as bovklump, chuck and minced.

Sold wholesale to: Denmark Caterers and butcher shops in Denmark

Activities that call back: MB Food A / S Korskildeeng 3 2670 Greve

Cause:There are detected Salmonella Dublin in samples from bovklump.

Risk: If meat is not thoroughly cooked or if mishandled cross-contaminate other foods can be contaminated with salmonella. Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and fever.

Advice to buyers: Boxes products or live them back to the supplier.

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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Canada Research Advice – Preventing Botulism in Infants

Posted on December 6, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Health Canada

Health Canada is advising parents and caregivers not to feed honey to infants less than one year of age. Honey is the only food in Canada to which infant botulism has been linked. Healthy children over one year of age can safely eat honey because they have a very low risk of developing infant botulism.

Infant botulism is caused by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which commonly exist in nature. Although the bacteria are unable to grow and produce toxins in honey, they may grow and produce toxins in the baby’s body should an infant consume honey and could cause paralysis.

Since the first reported case in 1979, there have been 42 reported cases of infant botulism in Canada. Parents and caregivers can prevent infant botulism by never feeding honey to infants less than one year of age. This includes never adding honey to baby food and never using honey on a soother.

Most honey produced in Canada is not contaminated with the bacteria that cause infant botulism, however you are better off playing it safe.

The bacteria that cause botulism are microscopic and do not change the colour, odour or taste of food. The bacteria are not destroyed by cooking or pasteurization.

For more information on infant botulism and food safety, please visit:

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Posted in CFIA, Clostridium botulinum, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Research

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Canada Updated Recall Hazlenuts – Salmonella

Posted on December 6, 2012 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

The public warning issued on December 2, 2012 has been updated to include additional bulk filberts (hazelnuts).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Loblaw Companies Ltd. are warning the public not to consume the in-shell filberts (hazelnuts) described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected product, Ennis variety filberts (hazelnuts), product of USA, was sold from bulk bins up to and including December 4, 2012.

This product was distributed through Loblaw banners as follows:

Ontario – Cash & Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Fortinos, No Frills Quebec – Loblaws, Maxi & Cie, Maxi, Provigo Newfoundland and Labrador – Dominion

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Uncategorized

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USA – Recall Beef and Cheese Pie Products – Listeria

Posted on December 5, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Journal

Cantina Foods, a Buffalo, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,375 pounds of ready-to-eat beef and cheese pie products because they were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

  • Cartons containing four clear plastic bags with six 4-oz. “Beef and Cheese Pastellios” in each bag.

There are no labels or marks of inspection on the bags or cartons. The products were produced and sold from Oct. 3, 2012 through Nov. 20, 2012 and distributed to retail establishments in the Buffalo, N.Y. region. The individual pies may have been available for sale from heat trays at convenience stores.

The company had requested to voluntarily suspend its operations in September, 2012 after a food safety assessment by FSIS identified problems with the firm’s Listeria monocytogenes control program. Through their investigation, FSIS enforcement personnel identified the products in commerce and determined that the company had produced them without the benefit of inspection.

FSIS has received no reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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